Pursuing accommodations on the ACT and SAT

This is the second part of our two-part article on understanding when to take the ACT. Our last article concluded by recommending that high school juniors plan to take both an ACT and the PSAT during first semester. In doing so, your student would have test results from both the ACT and the PSAT by January. This would give you and your student the opportunity to compare performances on the tests and determine if your student has a scoring advantage on one of the tests and/or a preference for one of the tests.

Nearly every day, the Breakaway team speaks with parents about the ACT, SAT, the challenges of standardized testing and what an appropriate plan of preparation looks like. Because we have the good fortune to work with students from more than 60 high schools from throughout the Metro Area, northern Iowa and western Wisconsin, Breakaway brings an expertise in both helping put together robust, effective plans of test preparation and generating results. If you’re anxious about your student’s standardized testing, relax. Breakaway can help. Below, please find an article describing a general plan for taking the ACT and SAT during junior year. The Breakaway team stands ready to help develop a customized plan of preparation for your student. Feel free to call us anytime to discuss a plan for your student. Our contact information is below. Thank you for reading our article.

Earlier this year, I had the good fortune of attending several college planning seminars, including a terrific one that Breakaway hosted in May with Julie Ekkers. As the parent of a current high school junior and a college freshman, I have taken in the information as eagerly as the fellow parents in attendance. All of us are trying to identify ways of helping our students not only gain admission to a college that is a good fit, but also to make college as affordable as possible.

The (temporary?) change in weather is a good reminder that spring and summer are just around the corner, and having a plan to help get your sophomore or junior ready for the standardized tests is essential.

One of the best things a student can do to prepare for a real ACT or SAT is to take a full-length proctored practice test. Breakaway offers regular weekend practice tests throughout the year to give students multiple opportunities to experience the “test situation”. We offer practice ACTs, SATs, and PSATs, and also offer extended time testing for students who are approved (50% more time).

On October 19, tens of thousands of Minnesota high school students along with millions of others from around the nation took thePSAT. For most students, it was an introduction to college-level standardized testing done in a low-stakes environment as performance on that test does not factor into college admissions decisions.

For parents of students with learning issues, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and executive functioning issues, or attention disorders, such as ADHD, it is never too early to develop a plan to pursue accommodations for your student for the ACT and/or SAT. Historically, the ACT and the College Board (SAT’s parent) have granted time extensions for testing to students with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or attention disorders who have also had and used such accommodations at school. Both the ACT and the College Board will evaluate a student’s application for extended time based on the diagnosis, as well as documentation such as a 504 plan and/or IEP (individualized education plan) from the student’s high school. Thus, making sure you have that documentation in order is a good first step. Such documentation includes:

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT BREAKAWAY

Breakaway does so much more than just college prep. Your holistic approach to the “whole” child is a gift that keeps on giving well beyond testing. My dyslexic son walked into your program believing himself a poor test taker and just plain “stupid.” He walks away with a 10-point improvement in his results, an ACT score in the 90th percentile, happily proving to himself that he is, beyond all doubt, really quite bright! We so appreciate all the time you took to meet with us, to identify and even change teachers to find the perfect personality and teaching style fit for our son. Thank you for all you do for our children, their futures and perhaps even more importantly, their self-esteem!

Suburban Minneapolis Family

Just wanted to touch base with you. My son `{`a senior at Minnetonka High School`}` scored 4 points higher! He was very excited. Thanks again for the excellent tutoring, you accomplished a lot in only 2 sessions. I will definitely be recommending you to all my friends and family.

Minnetonka father

Just wanted to let you know that my son got his ACT scores back and he scored a 35! Thank you so much for all Breakaway did to help him do so well!

Orono Parent

I appreciate the detailed feedback on my students. In a way, I think they are both looking forward to taking the ACT (and also be glad once it's over). I believe you have instilled a greater degree of confidence, subject knowledge and a positive outlook on the whole process for them....I thank you for that. They have both enjoyed your teaching process and how well you connect with them. My only regret is that we didn't hook up sooner

Benilde St. Margaret's parent

Holy Mother of God! Check this out! A 35! Amazing results – I’m glad he persevered and took it one more time. Thank you!

Breck parent

My daughter was so excited! I almost emailed you Saturday with her news that she scored a 35, but she wanted to tell you in person at last night's lesson. I am very happy for her - and so grateful for your help.

Blake parent

We really appreciated the ability of Breakaway to tailor test prep to our child’s needs. Our daughter began with group sessions and weekend test sessions. The feedback allowed her to efficiently address her weaknesses with one-on-one tutoring. Ron’s personal attention to matching his instructors to our daughter’s needs was greatly appreciated. His follow-through was impressive. Breakaway is a great option for a kid that is willing to work. A real difference-maker.

Edina parent

Thank you for all your great preparation. My daughter scored a 35 overall with 36s in English and Science. Math was a 33. I was very pleased with Breakaway and your personal attention to my daughter. I have already passed your name along to several other parents.

Breck parent

Thanks for all you do. You have given us so much hope for our son. If not for you, we never would have had our son tested for dyslexia.....nor would he have received the extra time he needs. Thanks again

Suburban Minneapolis family

I am so grateful to have had you for both of our daughters last year. My older daughter accepted an invitation to attend her reach school - tough to get into and just awesome. You helped her get from a 22 to a 26 (31 in Science and 30 in math). Without that, she wouldn’t have this opportunity next year. Thank you for all you do! I have one more daughter so if you are still doing this in a few years, we will see you again!

St. Paul family

Ron, I asked my son if he had contacted you about his test scores yet, and he said he had. So I won't be spoiling his surprise of telling you he received a composite score of 34!! Wow, quite an achievement. Most probably the biggest of his life to date. It will open more doors to him than he can imagine and that will also affect the rest of his life as well. Thanks for spending your time with him and obviously doing a fabulous job. I asked my son about the sessions and he said that besides going over the wrong answers on the sample tests, you helped him to understand what sort of thinking process they were looking for. Thanks for 'reaching' him and teaching him in a style he could comprehend. Great work!! You should feel a great sense of satisfaction for getting kids to achieve so greatly. You are gifted! Thanks again.

Parent of a Breck Student

I got a 33 composite!!! I wanted to thank you so much for everything you have done for me regardless of the outcome, but especially now that we can see all of our time and hard work pay off for me today. You took me from a very confused and hopeless but dedicated worker with a 21, my first test with you, all the way to a top tier 33 score. I cannot thank you enough.

Mounds Park Academy student

Thank you for the follow up Ron, and for your continued work with our daughter. It's truly rewarding to see her so motivated and proud of her own achievements. You have inspired her to reach beyond what she thought was possible. We knew she had it in her all along, but sometimes a 'non-parent' voice and coach makes all the difference. Thanks for being that difference in her life at a critical period!

Eastridge High School parent

Ron, you are great - thank you! I can't tell you the peace of mind my husband and I have about all of this stuff with your advice, guidance, and tutoring for our daughter.

Blake School parent

We’re grateful to you Ron. You spend so much time with the students AND the parents AND the follow up….you’re a busy guy!! I don’t know what we’d do without you and are so happy that your name was given to us. We will pass your name on!

Edina High School parent

Thank you so much for working with our son to prepare for the ACT test. I'm thrilled with his first test results.... this is a direct result of having more skills and more confidence in taking the test, which he has gained from working with you. He's so open and receptive to working with you. You're a great teacher!

Wayzata High School parent

Thank you for your lesson summaries. I read every bit. My daughter is re-energized by her new results. Thanks again for your excellent coaching. My daughter highly respects you.

Edina High School parent

We all agree that test prep with you has been time and money well spent. It's an added bonus that we got to know you in the process!

Breck Upper School parent

You accomplished in a few hours what years of schooling and countless explanations from me couldn't.

Mounds Park Academy parent

`{`I liked the`}` clear communication to parents and to student, very well organized, good rapport with student, very positive and encouraging but with high standards.

Edina High School parent

`{`I liked`}` the individual attention to areas of need – not to mention that the personality of the tutor was a great match.

Hopkins High School parent

Ron explained things in a way that made sense to my son and gave him useful strategies for the test questions. He felt like Ron was working with him towards a common goal and enjoyed their sessions. He did not feel ``tutored`` or like the sessions were turning summer into homework. Rather, he felt like they were a team and that Ron really cared about his progress.

Mounds Park Academy parent

Our family was very pleased with the ACT instruction our daughter received from Ron Michalak. We learned about his test preparation instruction from a neighbor and subsequently recommended him to several of our friends. Ron was well-prepared and organized, and he approached lessons with the perfect mix of focus and humor. He raised her practice scores significantly by focusing on the areas in which she needed the most review and continuing to help her gain points in her stronger subject areas.